Get ready for Badgers football season with State Journal's complete 2020 preview

Houston transfer Collin Wilder has a chance to be a key factor at safety this season, after Reggie Pearson wasn't medically cleared to play.

With a week left before opening the season against Illinois, the University of Wisconsin football team’s offensive line is still ironing out i…

UW was one of five Big Ten teams ranked in the poll, with the others being No. 5 Ohio State, No. 8 Penn State, No. 18 Michigan and No. 21 Minnesota.

Graham Mertz is officially listed as the Badgers starting quarterback, while other positions are still being decided as UW released its depth chart Sunday evening.

Comparing Clemson's schedule to Alabama's going forward, the Tigers appear to be in good shape to keep the No. 1 ranking as long as they keep winning.

UW leads the all-time series against Nebraska 10-4, and is 8-1 against the Cornhuskers since they joined the Big Ten.

With a rare combination of size and speed, inside linebacker Leo Chenal is set to start in a key spot for the Badgers defense. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to talk about the Badgers' season opener against Illinois on Friday night.

"We were able to beat them last year and I think we're a better team this year," Illinois coach Lovie Smith said Monday, "but so are they."

The Illini collected 28 turnovers last season — 16 fumble recoveries and 12 interceptions — to lead the Big Ten. 

“The fans, our fans especially, they’re the part that makes Saturdays in the fall in Camp Randall so special. So obviously we’re going to be missing that help,” UW linebacker Jack Sanborn said.

Jon Dietzen is expected to make his 33rd career start and his first at right guard. It’ll be his first football game since the Pinstripe Bowl against Miami on Dec. 27, 2018, a gap of 666 days between games.

Bob Asmussen, the Illinois football beat reporter and columnist since 1996 for The News-Gazette in Champaign, Ill, shares his thoughts about F…

The Big Ten will start playing football at what normally would be midseason.

History tells us that playmakers will surface in a program as strong as UW’s, but there are no guarantees.

UW athletic director Barry Alvarez admits he was beat down 10 weeks ago when the Big Ten called off its 2020 football season. Now, with the opener scheduled for Friday night, Alvarez is excited to watch the Badgers play.

In the Badgers’ dominant, 45-7 win against visiting Illinois, Mertz tied a program record with five touchdown passes and lived up to all the hype that’s built around him since he committed to UW in 2017.

Tom Oates grades the No. 14 Wisconsin Badgers' performance in their 45-7 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini in their season opener Friday night at Camp Randall Stadium.

A quick look at the 14th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers' 45-7 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini Friday night in the season opener at an empty Camp Randall Stadium.

Years from now, hundreds of thousands of UW football fans will say they were there for the debut of quarterback Graham Mertz. They'll all be lying.

The junior bounced back from his mistake with two key plays on the ensuing series before going on to finish his productive night with seven catches for 72 yards and three touchdowns. 

As the Twitterverse marveled at Graham Mertz’s throws, UW players were simply seeing what they always have.

After Friday night’s dominant win over Illinois, one of the few concerns about the University of Wisconsin football team was the state of its …

The Decatur Herald & Review's Joey Wagner shares his perspective from the other side of the action after the Badgers routed Illinois 45-7 in Madison on Friday night.

The Badgers head to Nebraska this week, looking to tally their eighth consecutive win over the Cornhuskers.

Graham Mertz has tested positive for COVID-19, sources told the State Journal on Sunday. As with all positive tests that occur using the daily rapid antigen tests, Mertz will be taking a PCR nasal swab test in order to confirm his diagnosis.

Mertz was 20 of 21 passing, setting a program record for completion percentage (.952), and tied program records with five touchdown passes and 17 consecutive completions. 

The Badgers will kick off their next home game against Purdue at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Camp Randall Stadium.

As Badgers fans wait with bated breath on news regarding redshirt freshman Graham Mertz’s status after an initial positive COVID-19 test, UW football coach Paul Chryst said he won’t comment on the situation.

If both Chase Wolf and Graham Mertz are unavailable, the Badgers are slim on options at quarterback heading into their game at Nebraska.

Big Ten protocols state that a team cannot practice or play if its seven-day rolling average of virus positivity rate surpasses 5% among players and 7.5% among the team population, which includes coaches, staff members and others closely interacting with the team.

Big Ten protocols state Paul Chryst and any other infected UW coaches must isolate for 10 days before returning to in-person coaching.

Badgers coach Paul Chryst told reporters Wednesday that his glasses were fogging up with his mask on during Friday night's game, something that wasn’t happening during daytime practices.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to discuss what happened with the Badgers over the past week. 

Eight UW football staff members and eight student-athletes have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus since Oct. 21.

A week ago the Badgers were preparing for their season opener. The players now are isolated in residence halls, apartments and hotel rooms as more test positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The 22 active cases is up six from the numbers released by the program on Thursday, with two more staff members and five more players testing positive.

Despite canceling its game last week due to a COVID-19 outbreak, the University of Wisconsin football team stayed in the top 10 of the Associa…

UW will be seeking its first win at "The Big House" since 2010. 

The program canceled its second game this year due to its COVID-19 outbreak. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the Badgers' COVID-19 outbreak as it stands, discuss what happens moving forward and talk about the start of basketball season.

Midway through a second week of a COVID-19 shutdown, the players of the University of Wisconsin football team are in a holding pattern.

Paul Chryst said Thursday that no one position group has been significantly hampered by the virus, and that if testing numbers allow No. 10 Wisconsin to play next week, they’ll be able to field a competitive team despite missing “a few” players from the two-deep.

The junior cornerback has been building confidence since late last season and his strong training camp has earned him the top spot on UW’s depth chart.

Data, decisions the conference left in institutions’ hands, and fear of the unknown regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus has kept the Badgers on the sideline the past two weeks.

This week marked the first time the Badgers football program has gone a day without a positive test since the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak began.

Despite not playing this weekend, the University of Wisconsin football team dropped a few spots in the AP Top 25.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Graham Mertz may be available to play for No. 13 Badgers in their first road game of the season.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the Badgers’ matchup at Michigan, discuss Jim Harbaugh’s future and make Big Ten picks.

Wisconsin's defense in for tough test against Wolverines' dual-threat quarterback Joe Milton.

Wisconsin is hopeful Graham Mertz is available, but that will be determined by how much he's able to practice and how effective he is in practice. 

The Wolverines allowed 323 passing yards and three touchdowns to Michigan State and 344 yards and three scores to Indiana in the past two weeks.

Aaron McMann, Michigan football beat reporter for MLive Media Group, assesses the Wolverines’ matchup on Saturday against No. 13 Wisconsin.

The No. 13 Badgers finally get back on the field Saturday night after a COVID-19 outbreak within the program canceled two games and shut down in-person activities for more than a week.

Graham Mertz was on the field and looks to be available to be under center for No. 13 UW (1-0) as it takes on the Wolverines (1-2) in a highly anticipated Big Ten Conference matchup.

UW takes on Northwestern next week in a matchup of ranked teams that could go a long way in determining who wins the Big Ten West.

Led by its defense, the Badgers jumped out to a 28-0 lead over the Wolverines on Saturday, spurred by two turnovers the defense caused on the first two Michigan possessions, and rolled to a 49-11 win. 

Wisconsin hosts Minnesota for this year’s edition of the oldest and most-played rivalry in college football.

No. 10 UW has used at least one fullback on half of its plays and the duo of Mason Stokke and John Chenal has scored four TDs this season.

While witnessing a blowout of Michigan for the second consecutive season, University of Wisconsin football fans got a glimpse of the future.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin discuss the No. 10 Badgers' game at Northwestern, the coaching matchup between …

Through two games, the Badgers have four sacks and a sack rate of 7.7%, down from last year’s rate of 10.9%.

UW preparing for slugfest against the undefeated Wildcats, but it's shown a number of ways to attack defenses on the ground.

Shannon Ryan has covered Northwestern, Illinois and college football and basketball for the Chicago Tribune since 2007. She gives her thoughts…

How a move, his family and a passion for football drives UW's newest star linebacker.

The top eight teams in the poll stayed the same, with Alabama claiming the top spot.

Wisconsin football prides itself on "next man up" mentality, but reserve receivers failed to step up against Northwestern in Saturday's 17-7 loss.

There’s violence in the way Keeanu Benton plays football.

Those around Keeanu Benton and Benton himself say that he’s far from a finished product.

Minnesota, which is slated to visit Camp Randall Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday, canceled Tuesday’s schedule practice and is holding all meetings virtually due to positive antigen tests within the program Monday.

College football's most-played rivalry will have to wait for another edition. 

Some welcome news came on a tough night for the University of Wisconsin football team.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin are back to break down the Gophers canceling the Battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe d…

Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle said Tuesday he was open to rescheduling the game if the Big Ten allowed it.

After overcoming a torn ACL and suffering personal loss, UW junior Scott Nelson has become a voice for mental health awareness. 

Badgers standout freshman receiver Chimere Dike has an insatiable desire to learn more about his position and how he can do more for the team. 

Rachad Wildgoose, a junior from Miami, Florida, tweeted an image thanking the Badgers’ coaches and fans, and others before stating he was declaring for the draft.

No game this weekend resulted in no movement in the AP Top 25 poll for the University of Wisconsin football team.

The Badgers on Monday added another stud defensive recruit to a 2021 class loaded with them.

Cancellations and COVID-19 coronavirus issues across the Big Ten Conference make for a variety of scenarios for the title game scheduled for Dec. 19. 

“It was definitely an odd week, but the guys handled it great, had a couple guys get back healthy and get their legs back under them," redshirt freshman quarterback Graham Mertz said of the Badgers' unexpected bye week.

A look at what the Badgers' redshirt freshman QB can improve upon after a tough showing at Northwestern. 

Jack Tuttle, who was a four-star recruit, received scholarship offers from Alabama, LSU, Southern Cal and Wisconsin, among others, chose Utah, then transferred to Indiana after one semester with the Utes.

UW faces CFP No. 12 Indiana this weekend at Camp Randall Stadium. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together on Zoom and break down the Badgers' football game against Indiana …

Experience paying off for UW's front as it prepares for final stretch of Big Ten Conference season. 

Alvarez says league shouldn't keep Ohio State out of conference title game if another Buckeyes' game is canceled. 

Zach Osterman of The Indianapolis Star gives his thoughts about the ranked matchup between the Hoosiers and the Badgers.

University of Wisconsin football coach Paul Chryst gives injury updates, discusses the matchup against Indiana and more. 

“I like this group to go out there and make a statement versus a very good group,” junior cornerback Faion Hicks said. “Like I said, we look forward to the challenge, it’s going to be fun.”

UW freshman tailback Jalen Berger talks about making a contribution, his New Jersey roots and more.

After a second consecutive loss, the UW football team dropped seven spots in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.

Players say focus is learning from mistakes before physical battle against the Hawkeyes.

Longtime assistant coach Joe Rudolph has taken over offensive play-calling for the Badgers after a difficult offseason amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With a blend of power, speed, instincts and smarts, Jack Sanborn fits the UW linebacker mold that’s become a pipeline to the NFL.

In a statement Tuesday, the Big Ten said Michigan-Ohio State is one of the most important rivalries in sports, and it will speak with league programs about title-game rules.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to talk about Badgers football and men's basketball teams. 

The No. 25 Badgers lead the FBS in rushing yards allowed per game (72.3).

Steve Batterson has covered sports for the Quad-City Times for more than 35 years and has been covering Iowa football for decades.

UW has had 27 of its 299 plays have gain 15 yards or more (9%) and only 13 plays gain 20 or more yards (4.3%).

"Every day he comes and there’s positive energy to him. Truly a great teammate; he’s been a blast to be around. You appreciate every day you’re with him," UW coach Paul Chryst said of  Isaiahh Loudermilk.

It is the first time since 2018 that UW isn’t ranked in the poll.

“I do believe that in many ways we are partners with (bowl games)," UW coach Paul Chryst said. "They help us and any way we can help them, I think that kind of falls under that’s the right thing to do.”

Badgers' five-star recruit Nolan Rucci discusses what drew him to the Badgers, growing up surrounded by coaches, and playing with his brother Hayden again. 

Five University of Wisconsin football players were named to All-Big Ten Conference teams on Tuesday.

UW's director of player personnel discusses recruiting during a pandemic, landing prospects who’d never set foot on campus, and the program bringing in it's highest-ranked class ever. 

Senior defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk, junior linebacker Jack Sanborn and senior defensive back Caesar Williams each earned third-team honors.

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin get together over Zoom to break down the news surrounding the Badgers football …

Andy Greder, who covers University of Minnesota football for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and has been with the paper full-time since 2013, shar…

Badgers' QB Jack Coan will be a graduate transfer and would be eligible to play next season at the school he transfers to.

The University of Wisconsin football team will play Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec. 30 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Badgers' junior tight end Jake Ferguson and senior left tackle Cole Van Lanen made the Associated Press' all-conference team. 

The Wisconsin football program has doubled the money it spends on recruiting in recent years, but still ranks last among public Power 5 programs. 

Badgers head coach Paul Chryst has been involved in nearly half of the program's bowl games as either a player, assistant or head coach. 

Leonhard says Wisconsin is "home" for him despite rumors linking him to head-coaching opportunities. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and the Badgers men’s basketball team’s first B…

Football players discuss the challenge of deciding to stay in college for an extra year of eligibility or to move on. 

A former four-star recruit finishes his Wisconsin career with 127 carries, 522 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

The Madison native will come back to Wisconsin for another season instead of making the jump to the NFL. 

Jack Sanborn led the Badgers in tackles each of the past two seasons, and Faion Hicks led UW cornerbacks in tackles and pass breakups in 2020.

Inoke Breckterfield has been at UW since Paul Chryst took over as head coach in 2015.

After injuries derailed Kendric Pryor's senior year the wide receiver announced on Sunday that he will return to the Badgers for a sixth season.

Wisconsin Badgers football beat reporter Colten Bartholomew breaks down his voting process for the Heisman Trophy and the players he considered.

The Badgers are scheduled to face Notre Dame next season on Sept. 25 at Soldier Field in Chicago. 

State Journal beat reporters Colten Bartholomew and Jim Polzin break down the news around the Badgers’ football and men’s basketball programs.

State Journal beat reporter Colten Bartholomew breaks down the news surrounding the Badgers football team. 

The race for roles at corner for the Badgers has been tough, with players knowing they’re still likely to play a good number of snaps even if they aren’t starters.

"We can be, I feel, the best, top-notch receivers in this Big Ten Conference," Kendric Pryor said. 

Generating revenue from what previously may have been considered unusual sources has taken on a new importance for the Badgers during the pandemic.

UW coach Paul Chryst says Kayden Lyles is "more advanced" at center, but Cormac Sampson has "a high upside."

UW will open the 2020 season by hosting Illinois on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in a game televised on Big Ten Network.

Finding replacements for kick returner Aron Cruickshank and kickoff specialist Zach Hintze are among the items on the Badgers' special teams to-do list heading into the 2020 season.

UW was one of five Big Ten teams ranked in the poll. 

No. 2 Alabama hosts No. 3 Georgia on Saturday after the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs held their spots behind No. 1 Clemson in the latest AP Top 25.

Josh Hunt was an anonymous walk-on until he became the star of the win over Western Michigan in the 2000 season opener.

Three weeks into this season, it has become abundantly clear LSU won't be defending its national championship and Ed Orgeron's star-turn might be short-lived.

With athleticism and a strong work ethic, freshmen wide receiver Chimere Dike and outside linebacker Nick Herbig have been drawing rave reviews from the Badgers’ preseason practices, providing early dividends from UW’s 2020 recruiting class.

“I think right now, I’m very confident in my ability to win games here. Practice has been going great in that sense. I feel like we’re ready to go, and I’m excited for it," Graham Mertz said Thursday.

"We had a good visit," Barry Alvarez said of his interactions with President Donald Trump while the Big Ten was working in September to get football back on the fall schedule.

A campus release announced the news Wednesday, a reversal of plans last week in which in-person attendance was to be capped at around 1,500 parents and essential personnel. 

Get the latest postgame updates after the 14th-ranked UW football team kicked off the delayed 2020 season Friday night with a 45-7 rout of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall.